Parasitic Infections

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Latest Edit: Hector 2013-11-27 (EDT)

Parasites are a diverse group of organisms ranging from microscopic ameoba, to metres long helminths. A parasite is defined as an organism that lives in or on a host, and feeds at the expense of the host. Parasitic infections are more common in tropical and subtropical regions, and are responsible for serious morbidity and mortality. Normally considered the most important parasitic disease, it is estimated that malaria is responsible for over 1 million deaths each year.[1]

Parasitic Infections
Parasitic.jpg

Parasitic Infection
Causes Food, Air, Water, Soil, Medical Settings
See Also Infections, Respiratory Conditions, Digestive Conditions, Urinary Conditions, Musculoskeletal Conditions
Books Books on Infections, Allergies, Intolerances
Articles Articles on Infections / Allergies / Sensitivities


Naturopathic Assessment

Any infection depends on two factors: personal susceptibility and exposure to a pathogen. The naturopathic assessment looks at both aspects. The stronger a person's vitality the less likely they will be affected by exposure to parasites or other pathogens.

Sources

The sources of infectious parasites include:

  • Food
  • Water

Diagnostic Testing

Many parasitic diseases can be diagnosed based on clinical symptoms and physical exam. The following diagnostic testing may be done to confirm the presence of a parasite and guide treatment.

  • Microscopic or macroscopic examination of specimens collected, including fecal or blood smears are commonly used.
  • Immunodiagnostic tests for antibodies and antigens to evaluate for Plasmodium spp, Giardia lamblia, Cryptosporidum spp., Entameoba histolytica, and Trichomonas vaginalis are available.

Characteristics

Common Symptoms

The symptoms of parasitic infection are as diverse as the organisms that cause them. The following is a list of common symptoms associated with parasitic infection:[3][4][5]

Common Parasite-Associated Conditions

Parasitic Diseases by Parasite

The following is a list of common and/or important parasitic infections. This list is not exhaustive.

Protozoal Infection

Organism Condition Clinical Presentation
Leishmania Leishmaniasis Cutaneous ulceration, fever, enlarged liver and/or spleen
Trypanasoma African Sleeping Sickness and Chagas Fever, lymphadenopathy, meningoencphalitis, congestive heart problems
Giardia Giardiasis Noninflammatory diarrhea with malabsorption (steatorrhea)
Trichomonas Trichomoniasis (STI) Vaginitis, urethritis
Entamoeba Amebiasis Diarrhea, colitis, liver abscess
Babesia Babesiosis Fever, malaise, hemolytic anemia
Cryptosporidium Cryptosporidiosis Non-inflammatory diarrhea, can be severe in individuals with AIDS
Toxoplasma Toxoplasmosis Fever, lymphadenopathy, congenital abnormalities, encephalitis, pneumonitis
Plasmodium spp Malaria Paroxysmal fever, chills, enlarged liver and/or spleen, headache

Table adapted from Mandell: Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases 7th ed [3]

Helminthic Infection

Organism Condition Clinical Presentation
Ascaris lumbricoides (roundworm) Ascariasis Diarrhea, fever, nausea, vomiting, slower growth, stomach ache, cough, breathing difficulty
Trichuris trichuria (whipworm) Trichuriasis Can be asymptomatic, or cause painful stools, rectal prolapse, anemia
Ancylostoma duodenale Hookworm Most individuals are asymptomatic, but may develop anemia, digestive disturbances, protein loss
Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm) Enterobiasis Commonly affects children and causes itchy anal region, disturbed sleep
Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi Filariasis Can cause lymphedema and elphantiasis leading to permanent disability
Onchocerca volvulus River Blindness Dermatitis, lymphadenitis, ocular lesions and progressive blindness
Schistosoma spp Schistosomiasis, bilharzia Rash, abdominal pain, enlarged liver, blood in stool and urine, increase risk of bladder cancer
Fasciola hepatica (liver fluke) Fascioliasis Initially nausea, vomiting, fever, rash, chronically can cause bile duct impairment, and liver and gallbladder isues
Taenia saginata, Taenia solium, Dipylidium Beef tapeworm, pork tapeworm, cat/dog tapeworm Generally mild, but can cause weight loss, loss of appetite, abdominal pain

Table adapted from Mandell: Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases 7th ed and CDC online [4][1]

Ectoparasitic Infections

Organism Condition Clinical Presentation
Pediculus humanus corporis and capitis Head and body lice Itching, irritability, and sleep disturbance
Phthirus pubis Crab (pubic) louse Itching and secondary sores
Sarcoptes scabiei Scabies Itching and skin rash
C. felis, C. canis Cat and Dog fleas Causes itching and irritation
Pulex irritans Human flea Causes itching and irritation

Table adapted from Mandell: Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases 7th ed and CDC online [5][1]

Treatment

The goal of naturopathic treatment is to support and work in tandem with the healing power of the body and to address the causal factors of disease with individual treatment strategies. The treatment for parasitic infections follow the same principles as all infections. The specific type of infection, i.e., whether it is acute or chronic and what physiological system is affected dictates the specific treatment strategy. Only those treatment specific to parasites are included in this section. For a full listing of treatment options refer to the section on infections.

It is always advisable to work with a naturopathic doctor before engaging in any treatment plan.

  • Treating a parasitic infection can take at least 3 months, due to the life-cycle of parasites. The symptoms may resolve much quicker, but it is important to stick with any treatment plan for at least 90 days.
  • Eliminate sugar and refined carbohydrates as parasites live on these simple sugars.
  • When the gastrointestional systems are prominent it may be beneficial to do a supervised three-day water fast to provide the digestive system with a physiological break.

References

Reviewed by Iva Lloyd, BScH, RPE, ND [1]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (2012) Accessed online May 2012 available at: http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/
  2. Fritsche TR, Selvarangan R (2011) McPherson: Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods, 22nd ed Chap 62 Medical Parasitology Saunders
  3. 3.0 3.1 Radvin JI, Petri WA (2009) Mandell: Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases 7th ed Chap 272 Introduction to Protozoal Diseases
  4. 4.0 4.1 Radvin JI, Petri WA (2009) Mandell: Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases 7th ed Chap 286 Introduction to Helminthic Diseases
  5. 5.0 5.1 Radvin JI, Petri WA (2009) Mandell: Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases 7th ed Chap 292 Introduction to Ectoparasitic Diseases